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  4. Staying healthy in the colder months (current)

Staying healthy in the colder months

Cold weather can make some health conditions worse, particularly if you are aged 65 or older or have a long-term health condition. Babies and children are also at risk from cold weather, as are people with disabilities, pregnant women and people with mental health conditions. 

If you are aged over 65, or in one of the groups mentioned above, and you feel unwell please get medical advice as soon as you can from:

  • Your local pharmacy
  • Your GP
  • NHS 111

It’s also important to get your Covid-19 vaccination and flu jab if you are eligible to give you that extra protection. 

 

Keeping warm 

Keeping warm inside when the temperature drops outside helps prevent illnesses such as colds and flu as well as more serious health problems like depression and pneumonia. 

If you are struggling to heat your home due to rising energy bills, we have information about the help available in Coventry and Warwickshire here. There is also information about warm places in your area. 

You can keep safe and warm by:

  • Heating your home to a temperature that’s comfortable to you. Ideally this should be at least 18 degrees Celsius in the rooms you regularly use like your bedroom and living area. 
  • Checking your gas heating and cooking appliances are safe. Contact a Gas Safe registered engineer to check them.

 

Look in on neighbours, family and friends 

Some people may need more support over winter, particularly when weather conditions make venturing out unsafe. Look out for older neighbours and keep in regular contact with friends and family to make sure they are safe, have food and are warm.

They may also need help keeping healthy, including picking up prescription medicines when the weather is bad and making sure they get prescriptions in time for Bank Holiday closures.

If you are worried about an elderly neighbour or relative, you can contact the Age UK helpline on 0800 678 1602 between 8am and 7pm every day. If they are unwell, call NHS 111.

This booklet from NHS England provides more help and advice on staying well over winter. There is also an easy read version. 

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